We are living through volatile times, and as my blog typically avoids politics – at least so far – I thought it wise to take a couple of weeks off.
That doesn’t mean I’m ducking the confluence of crises – the pandemic, the recession, the racial unrest – which are justifiably grabbing most of our attention.
Far from it.
I believe that one of these in particular – the need for racial equality – has ‘flipped our switch’ from anxiety to anger. It is an issue that has never been properly addressed, and I agree that these protests are long overdue. I hope this time that radical, lasting transformation is the result.
Although anger is useful as a catalyst for change, it becomes destructive when we steep in it. Physically, anger raises blood pressure, and increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Mentally, it impairs decision making and judgement.
I can’t do my best work when pissed off.
So a little self care is essential if we, as a society, are to stay focused, productive, and poised for recovery.
In a previous blog, I had written about starting the day with a good morning routine. I won’t repeat it here, but mine takes pre-emptive action on both mind and body – before anything has a chance to go haywire.
I’ve also been hitting the local trails early in the morning, to avoid the crowds who might stew about me projecting droplets as I run past. I usually jog to warm up, and then fire off a series of high-speed intervals on the “warning track” of a nearby ball diamond. This gravel strip, adjacent to the back fence, is easier on the knees and ankles than the hard-packed trail.
Another of my favourite self-care tools may sound a bit flaky, but flotation tanks are a great way to decompress.
Prior to COVID, I had been doing regular monthly floats at a Markham establishment appropriately named ‘Float Valley.’ For those who haven’t yet had the experience, you typically spend an hour in a tank that is sound- and light-proof, with about a foot of body-temperature water infused with 800 pounds of Epsom salts.
You really do float like a cork.
A useful piece of advice is to avoid coffee before you float. Caffeine not only makes it difficult to still the mind, it’ll probably make you want to pee. Not a great feeling while suspended in warm water.
Java-free, my Thursday float was superb. I extended it by an additional hour, which makes a huge difference as I’m often just starting to fully unwind by the end of the first hour.
Add to that the lack of sound, light, smell, temperature or pressure on your skin, and you may begin to feel like a disembodied mind floating in space. It was surprising how many long-forgotten people simply popped into my head, not to mention childhood memories.
I have entered a float with specific questions, and have come out with answers – only after I’ve stopped trying to control the process. Wrestling with your problems while in the tank is a great way to ruin the experience. Just let go and see what happens. I’m seldom disappointed by the power of the subconscious.
Two hours later I emerged relaxed, focused, and ready to tackle my work with a clear head. I’m now trying to monitor my thoughts throughout the day, and when I start feeling cranky, anxious, or distracted, I take a break from the news, the White House press briefings, the divisive tweets.
And give thanks for The Simpsons.
Neil Moore is a communications specialist, freelance journalist, masters athlete, and family man who believes that excellence has no expiry date. That being said, Neil is not a medical doctor. This blog is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice.
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